For the very first time in 40 years, rock icons R.E.M. are reissuing their debut single Radio Free Europe, originally released in 1981. While many fans know the 1983 version of the song, which appeared on the band’s first studio album Murmur, only a lucky few have heard this version, which marks one of R.E.M.’s earliest recordings.

R.E.M. band live performance archive

Due for release on July 23rd, via Craft Recordings and already available to pre-order, Radio Free Europe (Original Hib-Tone Single), will be presented in its original format as a 45-RPM single, housed in a jacket featuring photography by Michael Stipe. In an homage to the band’s hometown, the single was pressed in Athens, GA at Kindercore Vinyl.

In addition to the 7” single, R.E.M.’s 1981 demonstration tape titled Cassette Set is also being made available for the first time. This ultra-rare collection will be available exclusively via the official R.E.M. store as a bundle with the 7”, limited to 1,500 copies worldwide. The Cassette Set tape also releasing on July 23rd, will replicate the original packaging, which was self-assembled by the band, using photocopied cardstock for the J-card inlays and handwritten cassette labels by Stipe. Accompanying this, the official R.E.M. store will also be offering a custom limited edition portable cassette player (only 500 worldwide), produced by Recording the Masters.

These reissues mark the first of many special releases around R.E.M.’s 40th-anniversary celebrations. For more information visit www.remhq.com and/or www.fb.com/remhq.

Formed in 1980, R.E.M. were one of the most revered bands in popular music history. They enjoyed an extraordinary three-decade-long run before amicably disbanding in 2011. The group pioneered the alt-rock movement of the ’90s, influencing future acts like Radiohead, Nirvana, Pavement and Pearl Jam. Throughout the career, R.E.M. released a total of 15 studio albums, won three GRAMMY Awards and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.

More info:
www.remhq.com
www.fb.com/remhq